Saucepan and cover for a cooking utensil, particulary a steam pressure cooking pan

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a cooking vessel comprising a cooking pan and cover, especially a steam pressure cooker, to which a temperature-dependent resistor is attached as a temperature sensor with an attached computing device for the determination of the temperature inside the cooking pot, and for the transmission of electrical signals corresponding to the temperature detected. 
     In order for the cooking vessel to be equipped for an exact measurement of temperature without greatly increasing costs, a measuring point covered by the handle is provided, to which a temperature sensor is attached. One of the handles of the cooking pot or cover carries a plug accommodation with connection contacts, which mechanically accommodates a computing device formed as a plug unit, and connects electrically with the temperature sensor.

This is a continuation application of Ser. No. 539,482, filed Oct. 6,1983, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,535,229.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention concerns a cooking vessel comprising a saucepan and acover, especially a steam pressure cooker, to which atemperature-dependent resistor is attached as a temperature sensor withan attached computing device for the determination of the temperatureinside the cooking pan, and for the transmission of electrical signalscorresponding to the temperature detected.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Known cooking vessels such as disclosed in German Patent PublicationDE-OS No. 29 32 039 have various disadvantages. For one thing,temperature detection in the area of the excess pressure valve,especially during the heating phase, is very inaccurate. Anotherdisadvantage is the computing device being a fixed component of thecooking vessel. This type computing device can perform only its ownspecific function of indicating specific temperature values, or issuingwireless electrical control signals for influencing the fermentationtime selector, or for the regulation of heat production. Each cookingvessel requires its own computing device, which must be so designed andconstructed that it is protected against penetrating dampness during thecleaning of the cover.

A cooking vessel is known from German Patent Publication DE-OS No. 29 09129, in which the excess pressure valve controls a mechanical indicatordevice and an electrical switch, which switches on an acousticalsignaller upon reaching a preselected temperature. The acousticsignaller is mounted on the excess pressure valve accommodated withinthe button of the cover.

The known type of cooking vessel requires a specially shaped excesspressure valve, but has, however, the advantage that the acousticsignaller can be detached from the cover during cleaning of the cover. Atemperature measurement, as with a temperature sensor is, however, notpossible with this cooking vessel; and, moreover, the electrical switchis released at a preselected temperature in the area of the cover,which, during the heating phase, does not correspond to the temperatureof the water contents. The critical temperature of the water contents isalready reached before a signal is issued to the computing device. Thiscondition is undesirable, since the opening of the cover in this phasecan be dangerous.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to create a cooking vessel of thegeneral type mentioned above, which is provided, at a minimal additionalexpense, with a temperature measurer, and which makes possible,according to desired indications or regulation, the use of variouscomputing devices which, moreover, should be usable for several cookingvessels.

This object is achieved by the invention in this manner: a measuringpoint is provided on the external surface of the cooking pot near thepot bottom, to which a temperature sensor is either attached orattachable in a heat-conducting contact, in which the mounting point iscovered by means of an attachment of a handle detachably fixed to thecooking pot, in which the handle of the cooking pot has a plugreceptacle for the computing device shaped as a separate plug unit, inwhich connection contacts for counter-contacts located on the plug unitare provided, and in which the plug unit is mechanically insertable intothe plug receptacle, whereby the counter-contacts of the plug unit andthe connection contacts located in the plug receptacle are inelectrically-conducting contact to one another. In another manner, ameasuring point is provided on the external surface of the cooking pot;to which a temperature sensor is either attached or attachable in aheat-conducting connection, in which the measuring point is covered bymeans of a handle detachably fixed to the cooking pot, in which thehandle of the cooking pot adjacent the handle of the cover is providedwith connection contacts which, in the closed position of the cookingvessel, are in contact with counter-contacts attached to the handle ofthe cover, in which the handle of the cover has a plug receptacle for acomputing device shaped as a separate plug unit, in which connectioncontacts are provided for the counter-contacts located on the plug unit,in which the counter-contacts and the connection contacts in the handleof the cover are in electrical contact with each other, and in which theplug unit is mechanically insertable into the plug receptacle, wherebythe counter-contacts of the plug unit are in electrically-conductivecontact with the connection contacts insertable in the plug receptacle.

The cooking pot with its handle is so shaped that it enables theattachment, at any time, of a temperature sensor at an optimallyselected measuring point. The computing device, formed as a separateplug unit, is connectable at will with any of the cooking vessels, andrepresents an independent unit, which can be designed according to itsdesired function: whether simply the indication of a specifictemperature value, or the issuance of a wireless control signalcorresponding to the temperature detected. The temperature sensor can,however, also be connected tightly with the cooking pot, and integratedwith its connection contacts into the handle of cooking pot. The cookingvessel is adjustable according to the functions desired. It is notimportant for the cooking vessel as to how the signals of the computingdevice appear, and what is effected by these signals. The cooking vesselthus created is prepared for all possible further developments of thecooking and fermentation process, for the regulation of heat production,and the like. The handles on the cooking pot and on the cover canmaintain their ergonomically-favorable form for the handling of thecooking vessel practically unaltered, since the plug receptacle in thehandle of the cooking pot and cover is formed with recesses running in alongitudinal direction, in which the plug unit, with a mating part, isinsertable and mechanically adjustable.

If the temperature sensor is to be permanently attached to the cookingpot, then, according to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that thetemperature sensor is securely connected with the measuring point,whether joined or welded, and of the temperature sensor is connected bymeans of a connection cable led within a recess of the handleattachment, with the connection contacts in the plug receptacle of thehandle of the cooking pot and the connection contacts of the handle ofthe cooking pot facing the handle of the cover.

If the temperature sensor is to be adjustable, then one embodiment isparticularly advantageous. This is distinguished by the fact that thecooking pot in the area of the measuring point has a thread bolt, towhich a mounting plate is detachably boltable, enclosing the temperaturesensor and being in a heat-conducting connection to it. In a practicalembodiment, it can additionally be provided that the threaded bolt isused in addition for attachment of the handle to the cooking pot.

With the connection of the plug unit to the handle of the cooking pot orthe handle of the cover, it is provided, according to furtherembodiments, that the plug receptacle is inserted into the underside ofthe handle which projects horizontally to the cooking pot, or that theplug receptacle is placed in the upper side of the handle which projectshorizontally to the cover.

An unambiguous electrical interconnection between the two handles isattained through one embodiment, in which the connection contacts andcounter-contacts of the handles facing one another are formed as slidingcontacts and sliding surfaces of sliding contact connections, so thatthe sliding surfaces are oriented laterally to the longitudinal axis ofthe handles.

The plug unit is, in accordance with the function desired, so formedthat the plug unit is provided with optical indicator elements which,upon reaching preselected temperatures, give off indicator signs, and/orin which the plug unit is provided with an ultrasonic or infraredtransmitter, which radiates electrical signals corresponding to thetemperature detected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention is further elucidated by means of specific examples ofembodiments depicted in the drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a cooking vessel with temperature sensor on the cooking potand a plug receptacle for the computing device in the form of a plugunit on the bottom side of the handle of the cooking pot;

FIG. 2 shows a cooking vessel with temperature sensor on the cooking potand a plug receptacle for the computing device in the form of a plugunit in the upper side of the handle to the cover;

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view at line 3--3 shownin FIG. 1 of the plug connection between the handle of the cooking potand of the computing device in the form of a plug unit in disconnectedcondition;

FIG. 3a shows the same cross section as FIG. 3 in connected condition;and

FIG. 4 shows a suitable electrical circuit housed in the plug unit.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to the invention, the cooking vessel consists of cooking pot(10) of heat conductive material and cover (20). Heat is applied to thebottom of cooking pot (10) from an external source. Horizontallyprojecting handle (11) is attached to pot (10), and horizontallyprojecting handle (22) is attached to cover (20). Handles (11 and 22)stand adjacent one another in the closed position of the cooking vesseland serve, in the known manner, for locking of cover (20) and cookingpot (10). Excess pressure valve is accommodated in dome (21) of cover(20), which controls indicator device (23). This basic configuration ofthe cooking vessel is also retained in this invention, as shown in theembodiments in FIGS. 1 and 2.

According to the invention, measuring point (13) is located on theexternal side of cooking pot (10) for measuring the temperature;measuring point (13) is located at the beginning of the convextransition region between the pot wall and the pot bottom. Measuringpoint (13) is selected, since here the temperature difference betweenthe temperature of the water contents and of the external surface ofcooking pot (10) during the heating phase is approximately zero. Iftemperature sensor (19) is attached to measuring point (13) in aheat-conducting connection, then the temperature of the water contentsis correctly determined in the critical heating phase. This isimportant, since steam formation starts with reaching of the criticaltemperature of about 100° C., and opening cover (20) during this phaseis already dangerous. Indicator device (23) on cover (20) does notoperate upon reaching this temperature, since a certain pressure isnecessary inside the cooking vessel for its operation.

If the cooking vessel alone is heated, then the place at which thetemperature is measured is not critical, since the entire internal spaceof the cooking vessel exhibits practically the same temperature. Thusthe temperature is accurately measured even in the heated condition.

The advantage of the new cooking vessel lies in the fact that measuringpoint (13) is provided in every instance, and is covered by means ofattachment (12) of handle (11). Moreover, in the embodiment according toFIG. 1, a longitudinally-directed plug receptacle (16) is disposed onthe underside of handle (11), in which the computing device can bemechanically inserted as a separately-formed plug unit (17). As FIG. 3shows, the plug receptacle (16) can be a recess groove cut in a T-formin cross section, into which T-formed plug part (30) of plug unit (17)is inserted, and can be thus mechanically held. Plug receptacle (16) maybe provided with, springed connection contacts (15), which provideelectrical connection with corresponding countercontacts (18) on plugunit (17), if plug unit (17) is properly positioned in plug receptacle(16), as the springs indicated show.

It is easy to appreciate that plug receptacle (16) can accept differentcomputing devices if these are shaped identical to plug unit (17).

Temperature sensor (19) can be attached to the pot at measuring point(13), and is already electrically connected with connection contacts(15) in handle (11) by means of connection cable (14). This additionalexpense raises the price of the cooking vessel negligibly, but is,however, provided for an exact detection of the temperature. Only acomputing device need be supplied later which, furthermore, can be usedwith several cooking vessels so prepared, and can also be extended fordifferent functions.

If the indicator device has optical indicator lamps (24), then specificpreselected temperatures can be indicated in a simple manner. The mostimportant is reaching of the critical temperature of about 100° C.during the heating phase, since, from this point of time onwards,opening the lid is dangerous. Moreover, this signal indicating thecritical temperature can also be used for the control of a fermentationtime selector. This is advantageous if computing device plug unit (17),as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, has an ultrasonic or infraredtransmitter (25), which conveys the signal wirelessly to a separatefermentation time selector or the like. The signals thus issued by thecomputing device and transmitted wirelessly can, with suitable receiverdevices, also be used for controlling heat production, for which it isvery essential to detect exactly the temperature during the heatingphase, in order to be able to adjust the work temperature more optimallyduring more rapid heating during the final phase of the heating process.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, plug unit (17) can be inserted intolongitudinally-directed plug receptacle (28) of handle (22) of cover(20), and mechanically held therein. Plug receptacle (28) has additionalconnection contacts (27), which come into contact with thecounter-contacts (18) of plug unit (17). Connection cable (14) fromtemperature sensor (19) leads to connection contacts (15) in handle (11)of cooking pot (10), which are facing the adjacent side of handle (22)of cover (20). Handle (22) of cover (20) has counter-contacts (29)which, by means of connection cables (26), are electrically connectedwith connection contacts (27) in handle (22) of cover (20). Connectioncontacts (15) in handle (11) of cooking pot (10), and counter-contacts(29) of handle (22) of cover (20), are formed as sliding contacts andsliding surfaces of sliding contact connections, which interconnect inthe closed position of the cooking vessel. The sliding surfaces arethereby directed laterally to the longitudinal axis of handles (11 and22).

Suitable circuitry for one embodiment of plug unit 17 having bothoptical indicator lamp 24 and ultrasonic or infrared transmitter 25 isshown in FIG. 4. Signals from temperature sensor 19, transmitted to plugunit 17 as described above, are amplified by amplifier 31. The amplifiedsignal may be delivered to high frequency oscillator 32, which sendssignals to an external control circuit for controlling heating. Thefrequency of the high frequency signal emitted by oscillator 32 isdirectly related to the value of the measured temperature. Opticalindicator lamp 24 and ultrasonic infrared transmitter 25 are controlledby signals emitted from amplifier 31 and delivered to threshold circuit33. Threshold circuit 33 detects a predetermined value of the amplifiedsignal corresponding to a predetermined measured temperature value. Thuslamp 24 and transmitter 25 may be triggered to respond only when anamplified signal corresponding to a predetermined measured temperaturevalue is received.

We claim:
 1. A cooking vessel comprising a saucepan of heat conductivematerial and a cover, particularly a steam pressure cooker, to whichheat is applied from an external heat source underneath said saucepanand to which a temperature-dependent resistor is attached as atemperature sensor and connected to a computing device for determinationof the temperature in said saucepan and for transmission of electricalsignals corresponding to the temperature measured, characterized by ameasuring point (13) being located on the external surface of saidsaucepan (10) in the transition region between the pan wall and the panbottom, said temperature sensor (19) being mounted to said pan (10) atsaid measuring point (13) in a heat-conducting fashion; said measuringpoint (13) and said temperature sensor (19) being covered by anattachment portion (12) of a handle (11) which is mounted detachably onsaid pan (10); said handle (11) mounted on said pan (10), facing ahandle (22) mounted on said cover (20), said handle (11) provided on anupper surface with a connection contact (15) and said handle (11)aligned with said handle (22) when said cover (22) is positioned on saidsaucepan (10), said connection contact (15) in electrical connectionwith a counter-contact (29) provided on a lower surface of said handle(22) mounted on said cover (20); said handle (22) having a plugreceptacle (28) to receive said computing device formed as separate plugunit (17) in which a connection contact (27) is provided to match acounter-contact (18) provided on said plug unit (17); saidcounter-contact (29) and said connection contact (27) in said handle(22) are in electrical contact with each other; and said plug unit (17)is mechanically insertable in said plug receptacle (28), whereby saidcounter-contact (18) provided on said plug unit (17) is in electricalcontact with said connection contact (27) provided in said plugreceptacle (28).
 2. Cooking vessel according to claim 1 characterized bysaid temperature sensor (19) being connected to said pan (10) at saidmeasuring point (13) by welding and said temperature sensor (19) isconnected by means of connection cable (14) which passes through saidhandle attachment portion (12) to said connection contact (15) in saidplug receptacle (16) of said handle (11) of said cooking vessel whichfaces handle (22) mounted on said cover (20).
 3. Cooking vesselaccording to claim 1 characterized by said pan (10) having a threadedbolt in the area of said measuring point (13) to which a mounting clampsurrounding said temperature sensor (19) and being in heat-conductivecontact with said temperature sensor can be attached.
 4. Cooking vesselaccording to claim 3 characterized by said threaded bolt beingadditionally used to attach said attachment portion (12) of said handle(11) to said pan (10).
 5. Cooking vessel according to claim 1characterized by said plug receptacle (28) in said handle (22) of saidcover (20) being formed by an undercut T-shaped recess passinglongitudinally along said handle, into which said plug unit (17), havingmating plug part (30) is insertable and mechanically adjustable. 6.Cooking vessel according to claim 5 characterized by said plugreceptacle (28) being formed on an upper side of said handle (22) whichprojects horizontally from said cover (20).
 7. Cooking vessel accordingto claim 1 characterized by said connection contact (15) on said handle(11) and said counter-contact (29) on said handle (22) facing oneanother, and each having a sliding surface directed lateral to thelongitudinal axis of said handles (11, 22), said sliding surface formingan electrical connection when they contact each other.
 8. Cooking vesselaccording to claim 1 characterized by said plug unit (17) having opticalindicator elements (24), which emit indicator signals upon reachingpreselected temperatures.
 9. Cooking vessel according to claim 1characterized by said plug unit (17) being provided with an ultrasonicor infrared wave transmitter (25), radiates electrical signals whichcorresponding to the temperature detected.
 10. Cooking vessel accordingto claim 2 characterized by said plug receptacle (28) in said handle(22) of said cover (20) being formed by an undercut T-shaped recesspassing longitudinally along said handle, into which said plug unit(17), having mating plug part (30), is insertable and mechanicallyadjustable.
 11. Cooking vessel according to claim 3 characterized bysaid plug receptacle (28) in said handle (22) of said cover (20) beingformed by an undercut T-shaped recess passing longitudinally along saidhandle, into which said plug unit (17), having mating plug plug part(30), is insertable and mechanically adjustable.